:''Each step in the [[Webelos Program]] was preparing you to bridge into [[Boy Scouts]]. [[Tiger]], [[Wolf]], and [[Bear]] were all building to this day. When you complete your [[Arrow of Light]] (and are at least age 10), you are ready to bridge. The bridging ceremony may come months from now, but today your are ready to be a Boy Scout!

+

:''Each step in the [[Webelos Program]] was preparing you to bridge into [[Boy Scouts]]. [[Tiger]], [[Wolf]], and [[Bear]] were all building to this day. When you complete your [[Arrow of Light]] (and are at least age 10), you are ready to bridge. The bridging ceremony may come months from now, but today you are ready to be a Boy Scout!

''These materials are derived from the [http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/improvedwebelostransition.aspx Improved Webelos Transition].

''These materials are derived from the [http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/improvedwebelostransition.aspx Improved Webelos Transition].

Line 12:

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A Webelos Scout who has earned the [[Arrow of Light Award]] has now completed all the requirements for the [[Scout]] badge and may join a Boy Scout troop.

A Webelos Scout who has earned the [[Arrow of Light Award]] has now completed all the requirements for the [[Scout]] badge and may join a Boy Scout troop.

-

The key factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the leaders of a Cub Scout pack and a Boy Scout troop. Ideally a community organization would have both a pack and a troop with leaders who work together to help move Webelos Scouts into a Boy Scout troop the same way schools move students from elementary school to middle school.

+

The key factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the [[leaders]] of a Cub Scout pack and a Boy Scout troop. Ideally a [[charter organization]] would have both a pack and a troop with leaders who work together to help move Webelos Scouts into a Boy Scout troop the same way schools move students from elementary school to middle school.

There are a number of ways a pack and troop can work together to enhance the Scouting experience of their boys. To help assure maximum transition requires cooperation.

There are a number of ways a pack and troop can work together to enhance the Scouting experience of their boys. To help assure maximum transition requires cooperation.

==Bridging Ceremony==

==Bridging Ceremony==

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Many [[Pack]]s host their [[Webelos Scout]] [[Bridging]] Ceremony during the Blue and Gold Banquet. Webelos Scouts may have completed their full 18-month [[Webelos Scout Program]] months earlier but may wait until the Blue and Gold for their ceremony. Their new Boy Scout troops are often present to welcome them.

+

Many [[Pack]]s host their [[Webelos Scout]] Bridging Ceremony during the [[Blue and Gold Banquet]]. Webelos Scouts may have completed their full 18-month [[Webelos Scout Program]] months earlier but may wait until the Blue and Gold for their ceremony. Their new Boy Scout troops are often present to welcome them.

==Pack Responsibilities==

==Pack Responsibilities==

It should be the goal of the [[Cubmaster]] and [[Webelos den leaders]] to graduate every Webelos Scout into a Boy Scout troop. The key to accomplishing this is to begin promoting Boy Scouting when Cub Scouts are still in their [[Tiger]], [[Wolf]], and [[Bear]] [[den]]s, and to sell the sizzle of the great outdoors. Scouting should be viewed as an ongoing adventure, and the progression should be as normal as moving from elementary school to middle school.

It should be the goal of the [[Cubmaster]] and [[Webelos den leaders]] to graduate every Webelos Scout into a Boy Scout troop. The key to accomplishing this is to begin promoting Boy Scouting when Cub Scouts are still in their [[Tiger]], [[Wolf]], and [[Bear]] [[den]]s, and to sell the sizzle of the great outdoors. Scouting should be viewed as an ongoing adventure, and the progression should be as normal as moving from elementary school to middle school.

-

+

# Develop a working relationship with the leadership of a Boy Scout troop or troops in the community. Most troops should have either an [[assistant Scoutmaster]] or a committee member assigned to new Scouts. Your [[unit commissioner]] can help put you in contact with troop leaders.

-

1a) Develop a working relationship with the leadership of a Boy Scout troop or troops in the community. Most troops should have either an [[assistant Scoutmaster]] or a committee member assigned to new Scouts. Your [[unit commissioner]] can help put you in contact with troop leaders.

+

# Compare calendars of troop and pack activities to coordinate activities. Community events can be done together, and planning can help prevent conflicts in use of equipment and facilities.

-

+

# Work with troop leaders to secure [[den chief]]s for each [[Den|Webelos den and Cub Scout den]].

-

1b) Compare calendars of troop and pack activities to coordinate activities. Community events can be done together, and planning can help prevent conflicts in use of equipment and facilities.

+

# Work with troop leaders to plan and conduct Webelos overnight activities.

-

+

# Work with troop leaders to plan visits to troop meetings. Never show up without first calling in advance.

-

1c) Work with troop leaders to secure [[den chief]]s for each Webelos [[den]] and Cub Scout den.

+

# Invite the Scoutmaster and troop youth leaders to special pack activities. This will help create familiarity and a level of comfort for the Webelos Scouts and their parents as they ease into the troop.

-

+

# Plan a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack's [[blue and gold banquet]]. Include troop leadership to be present to accept the Webelos Scouts as they graduate to Boy Scouting. The local [[Order of the Arrow]] lodge can often be a valuable resource in conducting ceremonies.

-

1d) Work with troop leaders to plan and conduct Webelos overnight activities.

+

# Webelos leaders should be strongly encouraged to move into the troop with the boys, either as assistant Scoutmasters or troop committee members. This will give the new Scouts a familiar face at troop meetings and a connecting link to Boy Scouting.

-

+

# If a troop does not exist in your community, discuss with the head of the pack's chartered organization the possibility of organizing a troop. A graduating Webelos den can form the nucleus of a new troop.

-

1e) Work with troop leaders to plan visits to troop meetings. Never show up without first calling in advance.

+

-

+

-

1f) Invite the Scoutmaster and troop youth leaders to special pack activities. This will help create familiarity and a level of comfort for the Webelos Scouts and their parents as they ease into the troop.

+

-

+

-

1g) Plan a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack's [[blue and gold banquet]]. Include troop leadership to be present to accept the Webelos Scouts as they graduate to Boy Scouting. The local [[Order of the Arrow]] lodge can often be a valuable resource in conducting ceremonies.

+

-

+

-

1h) Webelos leaders should be strongly encouraged to move into the troop with the boys, either as assistant Scoutmasters or troop committee members. This will give the new Scouts a familiar face at troop meetings and a connecting link to Boy Scouting.

+

-

+

-

1i) If a troop does not exist in your community, discuss with the head of the pack's chartered organization the possibility of organizing a troop. A graduating Webelos den can form the nucleus of a new troop.

+

==Troop Responsibilities==

==Troop Responsibilities==

-

Boy Scout troops should assign an assistant Scoutmaster or a troop committee member to be responsible for new Scouts, which would include developing a relationship with the [[Cubmaster]] and the [[Webelos den leaders]]. This person serves as a resource during Webelos overnight activities and builds enthusiasm among boys and their parents for the exciting challenges that await them in Boy Scouting.

+

Boy Scout troops should assign an [[assistant Scoutmaster]] or a [[troop committee]] member to be responsible for new Scouts, which would include developing a relationship with the [[Cubmaster]] and the [[Webelos den leaders]]. This person serves as a resource during Webelos overnight activities and builds enthusiasm among boys and their parents for the exciting challenges that await them in Boy Scouting.

# Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can be of service to provide equipment, leadership, and logistics for Webelos parent-son campouts.

-

+

# Conduct an orientation in the Bear Cub Scout dens to explain the changing role as boys become Webelos Scouts and then again as they become Boy Scouts. Explain how being a Webelos Scout will help prepare them for Boy Scouting.

-

2b) Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can be of service to provide equipment, leadership, and logistics for Webelos parent-son campouts.

+

# Webelos den/Scout troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and their parents what to expect when they move into the troop. The troop should cook and camp by [[patrol]], and use skills that the Webelos Scouts can participate in.

-

+

# Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting. This should be planned several weeks in advance.

-

2c) Conduct an orientation in the Bear Cub Scout dens to explain the changing role as boys become Webelos Scouts and then again as they become Boy Scouts. Explain how being a Webelos Scout will help prepare them for Boy Scouting.

+

# Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop's activities for the upcoming year.

-

+

# Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage them to plan to move into the troop with their Webelos Scouts and to serve either as committee members or assistant Scoutmasters.

-

2d) Webelos den/Scout troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and their parents what to expect when they move into the troop. The troop should cook and camp by [[patrol]], and use skills that the Webelos Scouts can participate in.

+

# Conduct a [[Scoutmaster conference]] under the guidance of the [[Scoutmaster]] or the assistant designated by the Scoutmaster. This conference should cover the meaning of the [[Scout Oath]] and [[Scout Law]], the advancement program, troop camping, the [[patrol method]], [[summer camp]], and personal equipment.

-

+

# Work with the [[Cubmaster]] in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack's [[blue and gold banquet]]. Coordinate the ceremony and arrange for each Webelos Scout to receive a troop neckerchief and [[Boy Scout Handbook]] along with his [[Arrow of Light Award]]. Members of the [[Order of the Arrow]] may assist in the ceremony.

-

2e) Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting. This should be planned several weeks in advance.

+

-

+

-

2f) Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop's activities for the upcoming year.

+

-

+

-

2g) Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage them to plan to move into the troop with their Webelos Scouts and to serve either as committee members or assistant Scoutmasters.

+

-

+

-

2h) Conduct a [[Scoutmaster conference]] under the guidance of the [[Scoutmaster]] or the assistant designated by the Scoutmaster. This conference should cover the meaning of the [[Scout Oath]] and [[Scout Law]], the advancement program, troop camping, the [[patrol method]], [[summer camp]], and personal equipment.

+

-

+

-

2i) Work with the [[Cubmaster]] in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack's [[blue and gold banquet]]. Coordinate the ceremony and arrange for each Webelos Scout to receive a troop neckerchief and [[Boy Scout Handbook]] along with his [[Arrow of Light Award]]. Members of the [[Order of the Arrow]] may assist in the ceremony.

+

==Unit Commissioner Responsibilities==

==Unit Commissioner Responsibilities==

The [[unit commissioner]] is the connecting link in the chain between the [[troop]] and the [[pack]]. Often, the same unit commissioner will serve both a pack and troop in the same community.

The [[unit commissioner]] is the connecting link in the chain between the [[troop]] and the [[pack]]. Often, the same unit commissioner will serve both a pack and troop in the same community.

-

+

# Be a catalyst in developing good relationships between troop and pack leaders.

-

3a) Be a catalyst in developing good relationships between troop and pack leaders.

+

# Promote communication by scheduling a meeting of key volunteers.

-

+

# Help plan a Webelos den visit to a troop meeting and other joint activities.

-

3b) Promote communication by scheduling a meeting of key volunteers.

+

# Keep the pack and troop on schedule as plans develop for the crossover ceremony at the blue and gold banquet.

-

+

# Attend the crossover ceremony.

-

3c) Help plan a Webelos den visit to a troop meeting and other joint activities.

+

# Be sure new Scouts have completed a [[Boy Scout application]], that they have a copy of the troop's activities, and that they know when and where the troop meets.

-

+

# Work with the pack and troop in their charter renewal process to help ensure Webelos Scouts are moved from pack rosters to troop rosters.

-

3d) Keep the pack and troop on schedule as plans develop for the crossover ceremony at the blue and gold banquet.

+

# Work with the Webelos transition chair to follow up on boys who have not yet joined a troop. Make sure they are invited to join a troop.

-

+

# Be sure Webelos Scouts join a troop in time to prepare for Boy Scout [[summer camp]].

-

3e) Attend the crossover ceremony.

+

-

+

-

3f) Be sure new Scouts have completed a [[Boy Scout application]], that they have a copy of the troop's activities, and that they know when and where the troop meets.

+

-

+

-

3g) Work with the pack and troop in their charter renewal process to help ensure Webelos Scouts are moved from pack rosters to troop rosters.

+

-

+

-

3h) Work with the Webelos transition chair to follow up on boys who have not yet joined a troop. Make sure they are invited to join a troop.

+

-

+

-

3i) Be sure Webelos Scouts join a troop in time to prepare for Boy Scout [[summer camp]].

+

==District Webelos Transition Chair==

==District Webelos Transition Chair==

A key person to successful Webelos graduation is the district Webelos transition chair. This person is a member of the district membership committee and is charged with making sure every Webelos Scout is given an opportunity to join a troop.

A key person to successful Webelos graduation is the district Webelos transition chair. This person is a member of the district membership committee and is charged with making sure every Webelos Scout is given an opportunity to join a troop.

+

# Contact all [[pack]]s in early fall to update a list of all fifth-grade Webelos Scouts.

+

# Coach [[Cubmasters]] and [[Webelos den leaders]] in the transition process at [[roundtables]], training courses, and through personal contact.

+

# Report to the membership committee chair, and keep the district committee informed.

+

# Track and maintain records of Webelos graduation by using a wall chart that lists the transition record of each pack.

+

# Work with unit commissioners to follow up on Webelos Scouts who have not joined a troop.

+

# Work toward 100 percent Webelos transition.

-

4a) Contact all [[pack]]s in early fall to update a list of all fifth-grade Webelos Scouts.

Boys joining troops from [[Webelos]] dens continue to be the best resource for growing the troop and expanding [[patrols]]. Many thriving troops have a close working relationship with a Cub Scout pack that provides them with a new group of enthusiastic boys every year. Here are a few things to consider.

-

4b) Coach [[Cubmasters]] and [[Webelos den leaders]] in the transition process at [[roundtables]], training courses, and through personal contact.

+

*Invite second-year Webelos dens to meet at your troop location. Depending on the size of your facility, they may even meet at the same time as the troop.

-

+

*Provide a Webelos [[den chief]] for the Webelos [[den]]. The den chief can be a strong recruiter in bringing the entire den into the troop.

-

4c) Report to the membership committee chair, and keep the district committee informed.

+

*History has shown that more Webelos Scouts join Boy Scouting when an entire den joins the troop together.

-

+

* Make troop camping gear available to the Webelos den. Invite the den to participate at appropriate troop activities and a Webelos den/troop campout.

-

4d) Track and maintain records of Webelos graduation by using a wall chart that lists the transition record of each pack.

Each step in the Webelos Program was preparing you to bridge into Boy Scouts. Tiger, Wolf, and Bear were all building to this day. When you complete your Arrow of Light (and are at least age 10), you are ready to bridge. The bridging ceremony may come months from now, but today you are ready to be a Boy Scout!

The passage from Cub Scoutpack to Boy Scouttroop should be smooth, with no time lost in between. By the time Webelos Scouts are ready to cross over, they and their families should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the troop, their role in the troop and troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure. The Webelos Scout's graduation ceremony should clearly signify his transition to a new level of Scouting, and could include the presentation of his Arrow of Light Award, a Boy Scout Handbook, and a troop neckerchief.

A Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light Award has now completed all the requirements for the Scout badge and may join a Boy Scout troop.

The key factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the leaders of a Cub Scout pack and a Boy Scout troop. Ideally a charter organization would have both a pack and a troop with leaders who work together to help move Webelos Scouts into a Boy Scout troop the same way schools move students from elementary school to middle school.

There are a number of ways a pack and troop can work together to enhance the Scouting experience of their boys. To help assure maximum transition requires cooperation.

Pack Responsibilities

It should be the goal of the Cubmaster and Webelos den leaders to graduate every Webelos Scout into a Boy Scout troop. The key to accomplishing this is to begin promoting Boy Scouting when Cub Scouts are still in their Tiger, Wolf, and Beardens, and to sell the sizzle of the great outdoors. Scouting should be viewed as an ongoing adventure, and the progression should be as normal as moving from elementary school to middle school.

Develop a working relationship with the leadership of a Boy Scout troop or troops in the community. Most troops should have either an assistant Scoutmaster or a committee member assigned to new Scouts. Your unit commissioner can help put you in contact with troop leaders.

Compare calendars of troop and pack activities to coordinate activities. Community events can be done together, and planning can help prevent conflicts in use of equipment and facilities.

Work with troop leaders to plan and conduct Webelos overnight activities.

Work with troop leaders to plan visits to troop meetings. Never show up without first calling in advance.

Invite the Scoutmaster and troop youth leaders to special pack activities. This will help create familiarity and a level of comfort for the Webelos Scouts and their parents as they ease into the troop.

Plan a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack's blue and gold banquet. Include troop leadership to be present to accept the Webelos Scouts as they graduate to Boy Scouting. The local Order of the Arrow lodge can often be a valuable resource in conducting ceremonies.

Webelos leaders should be strongly encouraged to move into the troop with the boys, either as assistant Scoutmasters or troop committee members. This will give the new Scouts a familiar face at troop meetings and a connecting link to Boy Scouting.

If a troop does not exist in your community, discuss with the head of the pack's chartered organization the possibility of organizing a troop. A graduating Webelos den can form the nucleus of a new troop.

Troop Responsibilities

Boy Scout troops should assign an assistant Scoutmaster or a troop committee member to be responsible for new Scouts, which would include developing a relationship with the Cubmaster and the Webelos den leaders. This person serves as a resource during Webelos overnight activities and builds enthusiasm among boys and their parents for the exciting challenges that await them in Boy Scouting.

Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can be of service to provide equipment, leadership, and logistics for Webelos parent-son campouts.

Conduct an orientation in the Bear Cub Scout dens to explain the changing role as boys become Webelos Scouts and then again as they become Boy Scouts. Explain how being a Webelos Scout will help prepare them for Boy Scouting.

Webelos den/Scout troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and their parents what to expect when they move into the troop. The troop should cook and camp by patrol, and use skills that the Webelos Scouts can participate in.

Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting. This should be planned several weeks in advance.

Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop's activities for the upcoming year.

Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage them to plan to move into the troop with their Webelos Scouts and to serve either as committee members or assistant Scoutmasters.

Unit Commissioner Responsibilities

The unit commissioner is the connecting link in the chain between the troop and the pack. Often, the same unit commissioner will serve both a pack and troop in the same community.

Be a catalyst in developing good relationships between troop and pack leaders.

Promote communication by scheduling a meeting of key volunteers.

Help plan a Webelos den visit to a troop meeting and other joint activities.

Keep the pack and troop on schedule as plans develop for the crossover ceremony at the blue and gold banquet.

Attend the crossover ceremony.

Be sure new Scouts have completed a Boy Scout application, that they have a copy of the troop's activities, and that they know when and where the troop meets.

Work with the pack and troop in their charter renewal process to help ensure Webelos Scouts are moved from pack rosters to troop rosters.

Work with the Webelos transition chair to follow up on boys who have not yet joined a troop. Make sure they are invited to join a troop.

Be sure Webelos Scouts join a troop in time to prepare for Boy Scout summer camp.

District Webelos Transition Chair

A key person to successful Webelos graduation is the district Webelos transition chair. This person is a member of the district membership committee and is charged with making sure every Webelos Scout is given an opportunity to join a troop.

Contact all packs in early fall to update a list of all fifth-grade Webelos Scouts.

Advice for troops

Boys joining troops from Webelos dens continue to be the best resource for growing the troop and expanding patrols. Many thriving troops have a close working relationship with a Cub Scout pack that provides them with a new group of enthusiastic boys every year. Here are a few things to consider.

Invite second-year Webelos dens to meet at your troop location. Depending on the size of your facility, they may even meet at the same time as the troop.

Provide a Webelos den chief for the Webelos den. The den chief can be a strong recruiter in bringing the entire den into the troop.

History has shown that more Webelos Scouts join Boy Scouting when an entire den joins the troop together.

Make troop camping gear available to the Webelos den. Invite the den to participate at appropriate troop activities and a Webelos den/troop campout.